The Cat Adoption Team is seeking the public’s help in finding a volunteer foster home willing to provide long-term foster care for four FIV-positive kittens

The kittens are approximately seven weeks old and were found abandoned at the Sherwood shelter on Tuesday.

About FIV

Cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can live a long life with no external symptoms, but the disease eventually attacks the cat’s immune system, making it susceptible to other infections just like with human HIV.

The feline virus is not transmittable to humans, dogs or other pets. Cats usually contract it through a bite wound. In rare situations, an infected mother can transfer the disease to her kittens during nursing, although few actually become infected.

The kittens need to be sequestered until they can be retested at four months. If they test negative for FIV at that point, they will be placed for adoption. If they still test positive, they will stay in foster care until they reach six months old. At that point, they will be retested and put up for adoption.

Anyone who loves cats, is experienced with shy or scared cats and wants to help should call the shelter as soon as possible at 503-925-8903. The kittens are very frightened and need to be in a home without other cats.

Cat Adoption Team provides thorough training for foster families and is available for questions and support. Read more about fostering with CAT here.